Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's the best free desktop tool for editing SVG files — changing colors, removing elements, adding text, resizing, and combining designs before sending them to your cutting machine or laser.
Prefer a browser-based option? Craftgineer's Canvas Pro is a free browser-based image editor with SVG export — no software installation needed. It handles basic edits, resizing, and format conversion right in your browser. For advanced vector editing, Inkscape remains the more powerful choice.
Getting Started with Inkscape
Download Inkscape from inkscape.org and install it. It's completely free with no limitations. Open an SVG file by going to File > Open or dragging the file into the Inkscape window.
When you open an SVG, you'll see the design on Inkscape's canvas. The most important tools are in the left toolbar:
- Selection tool (arrow) — Click to select, drag to move, handles to resize
- Node tool — Edit individual points in a path (advanced)
- Text tool (T) — Add and edit text
- Fill and Stroke panel — Change colors (open with Shift+Ctrl+F)
Common Editing Tasks
Changing Colors
- Select the element you want to recolor
- Open Object > Fill and Stroke (or press Shift+Ctrl+F)
- In the Fill tab, click the flat color button and choose your new color
- For hex codes, type the value in the RGBA field at the bottom
If an element has a stroke (outline) color, switch to the Stroke Paint tab to change that separately.
Removing Elements
- Click on the element you want to remove
- Press Delete on your keyboard
If elements are grouped (common in multi-layer SVGs), double-click to enter the group, then click the specific element to select and delete it. Or right-click and choose Ungroup first.
Adding Text
- Select the Text tool (T) from the toolbar
- Click on the canvas and type your text
- Use the toolbar at the top to change font, size, and style
- Switch to the Selection tool to move and resize the text
- Important: Before saving for a cutting machine, convert text to paths: select the text, then Path > Object to Path. This ensures the text looks correct on any system.
Resizing
Select the design, then drag a corner handle to resize. Hold Ctrl while dragging to maintain proportions. For exact dimensions, use the W and H fields in the toolbar — click the lock icon between them to maintain aspect ratio.
For more on scaling SVGs, see our resizing guide.
Combining Multiple SVGs
- Open the first SVG file
- Go to File > Import to bring in the second SVG
- Position and resize each design as needed
- Select all elements, then Object > Group to keep them together
- Save as a new SVG file
Working with Layers
Multi-layer SVG designs use groups or actual layers to separate colors. In Inkscape:
- Open the Layers panel (Layer > Layers or Shift+Ctrl+L)
- Click the eye icon to show/hide layers
- Click the lock icon to prevent accidental edits to a layer
- Select individual layers to edit only their contents
If the SVG uses groups instead of layers (more common), ungroup with Object > Ungroup to access individual elements.
For a deeper understanding of layers, see our guide on understanding SVG layers.
Path Operations
Inkscape's path operations let you combine, subtract, and intersect shapes:
- Union (Ctrl+Plus) — Combines two shapes into one
- Difference (Ctrl+Minus) — Subtracts one shape from another (useful for creating cutouts)
- Intersection (Ctrl+*) — Keeps only where two shapes overlap
These are powerful for customizing designs — for example, cutting a name out of a rectangle shape or combining a design with a frame.
Converting Between Formats
Inkscape can export SVGs to other formats:
- PNG: File > Export PNG Image — set the size and resolution
- PDF: File > Save As > choose PDF
- EPS: File > Save As > choose Encapsulated PostScript
For a comparison of when to use each format, see our format comparison guide.
Tips for Clean SVG Editing
- Always work on a copy — Keep the original file untouched. Edit a duplicate so you can start over if needed.
- Zoom in on details — Use Ctrl+scroll to zoom. Check small elements up close before saving.
- Clean up before saving — Use File > Clean Up Document to remove unused definitions that bloat file size
- Check for stray nodes — Select All (Ctrl+A) to see if there are invisible elements outside the canvas
- Convert all text to paths — This ensures compatibility with every cutting and engraving machine
Start Customizing Designs
Download SVG design packs from our store and start customizing them in Inkscape. Add names, change colors, combine elements — make each design uniquely yours.
If you're new to SVG files, start with our beginner's guide to SVG files.
